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Tag: Edo election

  • Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    Edo election: Why no party benefitted from over-voting

    By John Mayaki

      The recent testimonies before the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal have provided critical insights into the conduct of the election, particularly regarding incidents of over-voting.

      Witnesses, including collation and polling agents from various political parties, have corroborated a singular fact: whenever over-voting was detected, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) took decisive action by canceling the affected results. This meticulous decision of the electoral umpire is commendable – being a commitment to upholding electoral integrity and ensuring that no political party derived undue advantage from irregularities.

      From Esan North East to Akoko Edo, Oredo, and Owan West, testimonies from party agents and independent monitors consistently indicate that INEC enforced strict adherence to its electoral guidelines. Afuda Theophilus Idemudia, who monitored the election in Esan North East, confirmed that despite the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) agent signing the election results, the discovery of over-voting led to their outright cancellation. This immediate nullification of compromised results prevented any party from unfairly benefiting from electoral discrepancies.

      Similarly, in Oredo LGA, the APC’s Collation Agent, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, testified that no political party raised objections to the election’s conduct. However, when over-voting was detected in Polling Unit 8, Ward 10, INEC officials invalidated the results at the Ward Collation Center. This proactive measure reinforces the fact that over-voting was addressed impartially, irrespective of the political party involved.

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      The testimonies of these witnesses has further thrown more light on the unusual but significant aspect of the election: broad agreement among political parties on the fairness of INEC’s process.

      Hon. Frank David, APC’s Collation Agent for Owan West LGA, confirmed that neither he nor any other party agent – including those representing PDP and Labour Party – contested the final results. The fact that agents from opposing political parties signed off on the result sheets is a strong endorsement of the credibility of INEC’s collation process.

      Moreover, Kamarudeen Coker Bello, the APC’s Local Government agent in Akoko Edo, corroborated that election results were canceled in cases where over-voting was detected, reinforcing the non-partisan application of electoral rules. These cancellations ensured that no party, including the then ruling led by former Governor Godwin Obaseki or the then opposition APC, gained an unfair advantage due to compromised vote counts.

      The consistent and non-discriminatory approach taken by INEC in invalidating results affected by over-voting simply speaks to institutional safeguards against electoral fraud. The electoral body’s reliance on the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has further strengthened the transparency of the process, making it easier to detect and rectify irregularities. In this election, over-voting did not translate into a gain for any party, as INEC ensured that all such cases were expunged from the final vote tally.

      Let me add that, the absence of formal complaints from party agents at the collation centers demonstrates a level of consensus rarely seen in contentious elections. It suggests that the process was conducted in a manner that inspired confidence among stakeholders, reinforcing public trust in the electoral system.

      The testimonies before the tribunal have painted a clear picture of an election where INEC upheld its mandate to conduct a free, fair, and credible process. By systematically identifying and canceling results tainted by over-voting, INEC ensured that no political party unfairly benefited from irregularities. The absence of complaints from party agents at critical collation points, coupled with their willingness to sign off on final results, further affirms the credibility of the process that led to the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo state.

      While electoral systems are never perfect, the Edo election stands as a case study in how an electoral body can mitigate irregularities without partisan bias. The tribunal proceedings have, if anything, reinforced the fact that the election’s outcome was determined not by electoral fraud but by the democratic will of the people.

    • Edo election: Tribunal admits 148 BVAS machines in evidence

      Edo election: Tribunal admits 148 BVAS machines in evidence

      The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal now sitting in Abuja has admitted in evidence 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used during the last governorship election held in the state on September 21, 2024.

      The devices were tendered during Thursday’s proceedings in the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and it’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo by a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Anthony Itodo.

      Itodo, who featured as the 15th petitioners’  witness, explained that the 148 BVAS machines were used in a total of 133 polling units in the state. 

      The witness added that INEC was subpoenaed by the petitioners to produce the devices in furtherance of their case, in which the alleged among others, over voting.

      Although there were arguments about the actual number of the devices, the tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi admitted them in evidence despite the objection raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC),its candidate, Governor Monday Okpebholo and INEC.

      Earlier, two Ward Collation Agents of the PDP – Eseigbe Victor and Uyide Imasuem – testified and justified their decision to decline to sign result sheets of the election.

      In his testimony, Victor, who identified himself as a farmer and politician, said he was the Agent for Ward 9 in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state which he said had 36 polling units.

      He added that he received copies of polling unit results contained in Forms EC8A, from polling unit agents of the party, during the governorship election.

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      On cross-examination, the witness, told the court that he did not sign the Form EC8B for Ward 9 owing to discrepancies he noticed in the results that were collated.

      “When the election was going on, I discover incorrect computation and refused to sign. My lord, if you check, you will see that no agent signed the result,” he added. 

      Victor agreed that although there was nothing on the face of the document before the tribunal to confirm that he actually served as a Ward Collation Agent of the PDP during the election, he presented a tag which he said was issued to him, which the panel admitted in evidence.

      The witness confirmed to the tribunal that results of the election he received from the polling unit agents of the party, were all signed. 

      He added “The election at the polling unit level was okay. Our only complain is on wrong computation of the results.”

      He told the tribunal that at the Ward Collation Center, the BVAS machines and hardcopies of the election results were presented for reconciliation. 

      When shown copies of extracts from the INEC’s IReV portal and reports of accreditation from the BVAS which were tendered by the petitioners, the witness, acknowledged that there were discrepancies in the figures.

      Imasuem, who featured as the 14th petitioners’ witness, said he served as PDP’s Ward Collation Agent in Oredo LGA of the state. 

      He confirmed that he was not the maker of some of the INEC documents tendered from his Ward which he said had 73 polling units, the witness also told the tribunal that he refused to sign the election result, in protest. 

      At the commencement proceedings in the morning, lawyers to the petitioners and respondents traded accusations about allegation of threat to petitioners’ witness.

      Petitioners’ lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, alleged that some of witnesses were threatened.

      Mozia noted that although names of the proposed witnesses were coded through the use of acronyms, their witnesses were known through the various role they played during the governorship poll.

      “My lord, we gave them (Respondents) the list of witnesses. But what they did to some of those witnesses was beyond imagination, to the extent that some of them are afraid to come and testify,” the petitioners’ counsel added.

      The petitioners’ lawyer said he earlier drew the attention of APC’s lawyer, Ukala, SAN, to what the witnesses were being subjected to.

      Lawyers to the respondents faulted Mozia’s claim, with Okpebholo’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) describing it as baseless.

      Ikpeazu said: “My lord, it is unfortunate that my learned friend is involving us in this phantom allegation.”

      He added that the  petitioners failed to furnish him with list of particular witnesses they planned to call for the day.

      On his part,  Ukala dismissed the allegation, insisting that the petitioners knew what to do if their witnesses were threatened. 

      Ukala said: “My lords, if there are criminal activities going on, they know what to do and who to meet. It is not for them to come here to make blanket statements.”

    • Edo election and PDP’s TV histrionics

      Edo election and PDP’s TV histrionics

      Sir: Arise –TV’s regular morning show on November 2 featured one Martins Obono, Executive Director, Tap Initiative for Citizens Development. Obono claims to be one of the many civil society activists in Nigeria and indeed, there are a legion of them. We do know for a fact that dangerous and unscrupulous elements operate as spies and agents and in all manner guises in the name of operatives of civil society organizations.

      In the extant case, Obono could barely conceal the fact that he was a PDP agent, commissioned to discredit the results of the Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 21 as he went straight for the jugular of INEC from start. By deliberate act of skulduggery, he referenced the results in the fake PDP-IREV portal as if it was truly INEC-IREV. A bit of balanced review of his claims portrayed INEC as dumb and obtuse. That is far from the truth!

      Martins Obono’s egregious claims cannot stand the heat of legal interrogation except to serve the purpose of unconscionably besmirching the image of INEC thereby keeping the forlorn hope of the vanquished falsely high.

      While Obono was justifying his engagement by the PDP, the petition filed by the candidate of the PDP, Asue Ighodalo, before the State Election Tribunal contesting the outcome of the election clearly circumvented the dead end of making electoral malpractices and corrupt practices such as forgery of results being belaboured at Arise-TV media trial as grounds for his petition. Rather, the two main grounds that will be hotly contested in the State Election Tribunal as filed by the PDP are:

      (1) Non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

      (2) That the 2nd respondent (Governor-elect) did not win with the majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

      There is no deposition or documents supporting allegations of “forgery” before the election tribunal. In the petition, the PDP is building her case around allegations of over-voting, votes’ suppression, etc. The Arise TV histrionics is a superfluous and unwarranted media trial that might distract their focus on proving the allegations in their petition.

      It is important to call on the general public to discountenance the wild claims by the PDP and her paid agents. The APC repeatedly raised alarm before and after the election that PDP installed digital technology equipment including a fake IREV Centre at a location near the Government House to falsify the votes scored by the respective parties at the election.

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      Further post-election investigation not only confirmed the APC’s alarm but phantom and fictitious figures emanating from their illegal IREV portal are in the public space. They lied that requisite INEC Electoral forms were not filled in 320 polling units across the states, when in fact these forms were actually filled and endorsed.

      They lied about over voting in 58 polling units, this they did by mischievously adding “spoilt ballot papers” into their computation of valid votes cast for determining over voting. They did not plead the number of accredited voters as captured by the BVAS machine, they did not plead the BVAS report on accreditation of voters, yet they imagine they can prove over voting.

      Similarly, they repeated their crazy allegation of over voting and non- filling of the INEC Electoral forms in 75 polling units. They then prayed that APC’s valid votes in these polling units be cancelled on the basis of these false and speculative pleadings.

      The APC teeming members and the public should be wary of the misleading information regularly churned out by the PDP and their agents. It will intensify in the course of the trial. The true status of the PDP petition and pleadings before the State Election Tribunal should give no one any cause for worry. In the light of its vacuousness and hollowness, it cannot stand the test of legal scrutiny and fireworks. The counsels are not magicians and it is not within their calling to conjure evidence to prove cases! When it is dismissed by the tribunal (as we hope and expect), we should expect that opposition rogue mainstream and online media outlets will go haywire scandalizing and demonizing the courts/ judiciary for dismissing the empty petition. It is in their character to be desperate, irresponsible and unpatriotic!

      •Washington Osa Osifo, PhD,Benin- City

    • Edo election: IGP approves compensatory payment to officers involved in Kano accident

      Edo election: IGP approves compensatory payment to officers involved in Kano accident

      …as IGP reaffirms dedication to personnel well-being

      The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Wednesday, October 9, approved the immediate payment of relief funds to the families of officers who were involved in a fatal motor accident on 24th September 2024

      The accident occurred while they were returning from the Edo elections special duty to Kano State Command.

      Five officers lost their lives, with 11 hospitalized in the accident which occurred along the Zaria-Kano expressway.  

      According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ASP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “8 individuals have been successfully discharged from the hospital after receiving medical attention, while three others are still undergoing treatment.

      Read Also: Edo election: a postmortem

      “In response to this tragic event, the Inspector General of Police has taken decisive actions to provide support to those affected, by approving the compensatory payment of Ten Million Naira (N10,000,000) to the families of the deceased, acknowledging their profound loss and providing assistance as they navigate this challenging period.

      “`The IGP has also approved the payment of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) to those still receiving treatment ensuring they receive the necessary medical support as they recuperate and the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) to those who have been discharged after treatment.

      “The IGP reaffirms the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to supporting officers and men of the Force and their families during trying times. The IGP once again expresses his deepest condolences to all the families of the deceased and prays for the quick recovery of those still receiving medical care.”

    • ‘Why Edo people rejected PDP’

      ‘Why Edo people rejected PDP’

      The Edo Unity League, a socio-cultural organization in Edo State, has attributed the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to the “vindictive politics and unpopular policies” of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki.

      The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, emerged victorious in the September 21 election.

      In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Arch. Agbado Oboneyaen, the League emphasized that Obaseki’s strained relationship with the political elite and his perceived insensitivity to the concerns of the people led to the PDP’s downfall.

      It reads: “Anyone with an understanding of the internal discord within the PDP, particularly the opposition from founding members against the outgoing governor, could have predicted Senator Okpevbolo’s victory. It was not a surprise but rather the culmination of clear and inevitable factors.”

      The group highlighted that in Edo South, the most populous region of the state, where Obaseki hails from, voters were disillusioned with the governor’s administration. “For many in Edo South, voting for the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was seen as endorsing Obaseki’s administration, which they perceived as vindictive and tyrannical,” the statement added.

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      Oboneyaen noted that the people of Benin felt that Obaseki’s governance style attempted to institutionalize a culture of retribution, with royal figures and notable community members often targeted unfairly. “There was a growing sentiment that the governor’s actions, such as the arbitrary revocation of Certificates of Occupancy from prominent local entrepreneurs in favor of his allies, many of whom are based in Lagos, were harmful to the community’s interests.”

      He added: “The people of Benin were deeply aggrieved, feeling that their culture and heritage were under attack. They did not need financial incentives to reject the PDP. In fact, the electoral score attributed to the PDP in this election seems surprisingly high and undeserved.”

      In Edo Central, the group said it was a clear choice between a familiar figure and an outsider. “Sen. Monday Okpevbolo is seen as a son of the soil with a strong commitment to community development, respect for traditional institutions, and a reputation for empathy. The people rallied behind him with overwhelming support, unprompted by financial incentives,” the statement explained.

      In Edo North, voters reportedly felt betrayed by Obaseki’s treatment of former governor Adams Oshiomhole, a key figure in the region. “The betrayal of Oshiomhole by the outgoing governor was seen as unforgivable, and voters sought to express their disapproval by overwhelmingly supporting the APC.”

      Summing up, the League concluded: “Asuen Ighodalo was burdened by the baggage of the outgoing governor’s actions. The election result was a clear message from Edo people to Obaseki – that integrity and goodwill matter in leadership.”

    • Edo election: a postmortem

      Edo election: a postmortem

      •Ahead of other off-cycle polls, what transpired in Edo on September 21 should be expertly dissected

      To many, the 2024 Edo State governorship election may be over already. Those among this category who believe that they were robbed, could have started thinking what to do to turn the tide next time. Others, however, believe that the “battle” has just been joined. Indeed, there are three stages of election in Nigeria: the pre-ballot, polling day activities and the post-election phase.

      The first two phases may be over, but the third is as crucial as the preceding two. It is played at the court room, with a lot fewer participants in judges, lawyers and politicians. The election umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is not left out. They all have their say and day in the court. In some cases, the court could overrule the electorate and decide who ought to have won. That’s the nature of elections in Nigeria. The Supreme Court decisions on the Zamfara, Bayelsa and Imo state governorship elections remain reference points and have encouraged politicians to always explore whatever possibilities exist on the judicial plane.

      But, there is much to learn in the September 21 governorship poll in the 192 polling units in Edo State. It is now known to all that the body saddled with the statutory duty of conducting the election has returned Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor-elect with 56 percent of the votes cast, while his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), got the endorsement of 35 per cent of the electorate. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) could only be classified as also-ran with the others as they all polled less than 10 per cent of the votes cast.

       The media and most of the observers, local and foreign, have said the election was characterised by peace, disappointing all who had predicted that it would be marked by violence and bloodshed. For this, the electoral commission and the security forces deserve kudos. When Governor Godwin Obaseki chose to storm the collation centre, the police, led by DIG Frank Mba, ordered him out. Despite the late arrival of materials for voting, the people kept their cool and thugs were kept at bay throughout the period voting was on and even at declaration of results in each of the polling units. The bimodal voter accreditation system machines were reported to have worked perfectly and results were posted timeously. Again, for this, the commission deserves thumbs up.

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      But, a number of people who checked the posted figures on the IREV have pointed out some discrepancies. Whether these, and the contention that collation for three of the local government areas were not conducted in the designated headquarters, but at the state level, are  good enough to nullify the exercise is left to the courts, to which the PDP has said it is taking up the challenge. What the electoral act requires is “substantial compliance” with the law, rules, procedures and guidelines.

      Beyond the gladiators, political parties and politicians, there are lessons to be learnt by all Nigerians: that is, even beyond Edo State. This being an off-cycle election to which therefore INEC could and did deploy so much human and material resources, a near perfect election was expected. Logistics, punctual deployment of polling officials and materials needed, was the least that should have been achieved. The commission failed in this respect. In many polling units, materials reportedly arrived about four, five hours behind schedule. This is awful considering the number of elections that have been conducted by the commission since 1999. If Edo State alone posed such a challenge, what is to be expected when we have the next general election?

      Besides, Ondo State governorship election is just round the corner. Then Anambra. How do we avoid the pitfalls of Edo polls? It will help if the election czars could release their report of the previous election for public scrutiny and education. The 2023 elections were conducted almost 18 months ago, and INEC has reportedly conducted reviews and a dissection. What did it find? How did that help with preparations for and conduct of the Edo polls? We deserve to know. So much funds go into conducting polls, and so much emotion is expended that we should not continue to repeat the same mistakes.

      In future elections, if the advertised statutory venues for polling or collation were to change, all participants should be duly informed and carried along. If the party agents are informed but refuse to go along, it is not the error of the umpire, especially if it is changed in line with the law. When everything is done in the open and transparently, there would perhaps be little room for rancour. Nigeria must forge ahead and be lifted above the jejune in conducting our elections.

    • The media and Edo election

      The media and Edo election

      The media as the fourth estate of the realm, more than  any institutions of state today, poses greater danger to the democratization process  The prevailing opinion here as elsewhere in the world is that the media has been fractionalized along ethnic, religious and ownership divides – (Olufemi Onabajo, Jide Oluwajuyitan, Bello Olaide Wasiu: The Interplay of Media Theories, Media Ethics and the Objectivity Question in Media Performance in 2023 elections in Nigeria (Annals of the Constatin Brancusi University of Targu Jiu Letters and Social Science Series(1/2024).

      For those who have taken the pains to study Nigerian politics and political process, the outcome of the 2023 presidential election was predictable. With PDP fractionalized into four, it was apparent the party was doomed. Unfortunately, leading lights of the party including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other warring groups who, out of greed for power, unwittingly ceded the coveted prize to a more versatile politician with a better brinkmanship on how to cope with party intrigues and ambitions of party and non-party members. Sadly, these are variables ignored by some openly partisan Nigerian TV platforms in the coverage and analysis of the 2023 election.

      The recently concluded Edo State gubernatorial election suffers from the same affliction. I think reproach by Reno Omokri, a chieftain of PDP and former special adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to gassy gang who wail more than the bereaved perhaps captures this better. “Let us learn to accept the results of elections in Nigeria. The PDP won this same election in 2020 when the APC controlled the federal government because we were united. This time around, Philip Shuaibu and Orbih were with our opponents.” He then interrogate the wisdom of a subject questioning the right of godlike authority of Oba of Benin over the abode of his ancestors’ returned British stolen Benin artefacts. 

      Unarguably, Nigerian journalists,  starring Herbert Macaulay, through Ernest Ikoli, Azikiwe, who came to ‘elezikify’ the Nigerian press in 1937, with, in Awolowo’s words, his “fire eating and aggressive nationalist paper of the highest order”, H O  Davies, Tony Enahoro  and others were the fathers of Nigeria.

      But Zik’s erudition and famous lectures at Methodist Boys High School, Faji and Anssar-ru-Deen Alakoro on his economic and political philosophy for Africa under main headings of “Political risorginmento, economic determinism and social resurgence and spiritual balance he delivered in charming and disarming manners and received to the uproar and applause of youths”, did not fetch him votes.  He won votes because he was the adopted son of Lagos white cap chiefs.

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       As a victim of discrimination as an Onitsha Igbo, he stood no chance of winning election in his Eastern Region with his erudition. The premiership of the east he later secured after Zik of Africa and foremost Nigerian nationalists had been told charity should start from home was through a coup against Eyo Ita, the leader of Eastern government from Creek Town in today’s Cross Rivers State.

      Of course the success of Awo in spite of being a great deep thinker “among the Yoruba, a fastidious, critical and discerning people who will not do anything in politics merely to oblige a fellow Yoruba if he is not satisfied your policy is good and will serve his self-interest” (Awo page 261), was because of  grassroots  mobilization. In fact, he admitted NCNC would have won the1951 western regional election “if it had been as organized as AG in the Yoruba rural areas”.

      Unfortunately, these are facts of history lost on some of our today’s new set of journalists trying to break a new ground who think election can be won through erudition. This fallacy was laid to rest with last week’s Monday Okpebholo victory over Asue Akintunde Igbodalo and Olumide Akpata, the preferred candidates of ARISE TV and its crew anchored by Reuben Abati, President Jonathan’s ex Media Adviser, a persuasive Guardian columnist and chairman of Guardian editorial board, and a distinguished colleague with whom I often throw banter at our Monday editorial content review meetings. Although, he alone of all his sometimes irritable and belligerent opinionated colleagues pretending to be journalist possesses the attributes of a news anchor, but he could not helping becoming irascible that Monday Okpebholo could not match ARISE’s  preferred candidates in erudition.

      His former principal, ex-President Jonathan, once observed that it was easy for journalists to be critical. Reuben’s first attempt in competitive election was a disaster. With all his erudition, many have questioned his choice of PDP as a platform in a progressive state, where ex-President Obasanjo according to local and international election reports had to rig–out grass root Aremo Olusegun Osoba by manipulating electoral vote returns which produced move voters than registered electorate. It was not any less bewildering that he had hoped to become deputy governor of Ogun State by pairing up with late Buruji Kashamu, who for Britain, Obasanjo had wanted repatriated to the US to face drug charges.

       ARISE did everything to de-market candidate Okpebholo including veiled appeal to Edo voters not to vote for candidate who refused to be tutored by the know-all, ill-humoured teachers. And the sarcasm in “we pray for Edo people” after Okpabolo’s decisive victory was not lost on discerning Edo people they tried to demean.

      Crusaders for democracy pretended not to be aware that democracy cannot survive without adherence to its ethics. Besides remaining silent on Obaseki’s betrayal of all his former benefactors, they failed to remind their audience that he failed to swear in 16 elected members of Edo House of Assembly for four years while he reigned with 10 lawmakers sworn in the middle of the night.

      They enthusiastically gave adequate coverage to the irresponsible and illegal declaration of Ighodalo as duly elected governor of Edo by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, amidst INEC’s ongoing collation of results, an act described “as a severe violation of Sections 178 and 179 of the 1999 Constitution, with a potential to erode public trust in our democratic processes”.

      They celebrated Yiaga Africa, their favourite analyst’s claim of widespread manipulation of result, while less attention was paid to the verdict of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) that declared “We as 51 INEC Accredited observer organizations hereby unequivocally declare that this election was transparent, free, fair, and credible”.

      They made their platform available to losers trying to incite violence. Hear drowning Ighodalo: “APC party has taken over all institutions that governed this electoral process. I am disappointed. It will appear we are having the worst in the history of election being conducted in the history of our country. If INEC does not turn a new leaf, we cannot accept injustice…We see the crass manipulation, this subversion of the will of Edo State is untenable and unacceptable…”

      About to be buried by his “do or die” prediction, Obaseki’s promoters gave him a platform to gas: “The people of Edo State are sad, they feel pained, they are worried their true intentions and desires are about to be subverted. I know the people of Edo State are strong willed people. I think the people of Edo will stand up and speak for themselves as things unfold but I am hoping very seriously that INEC will retrace itself and it will understand it cannot be used”.

      Olumide Akpata acknowledged the unwavering support of ARISE TV  by declaring himself the winner quoting Rufai Oseni’s TV-conducted poll which gave him 71% of Edo votes. As a perceptive observer puts it: “When you see a man that relies on Rufai Oseni’s online poll, you already see a man that is not ready to win the election.  Rufai himself is a joke.”

      Owners of platforms set them up for a purpose, Major General IBM Haruna (rtd), (Nigeria’s one-time Federal Commissioner for Information and Culture (1975-1977), once reminded ill-tempered Oseni on his ARISE platform. But there was before this, another timely warning from Alhaji Babatunde Jose, the doyen of Nigerian Press, who admonished the media to “learn to walk the tight rope”.

    • Edo election: Call for parties to introspect and reform

      Edo election: Call for parties to introspect and reform

      By Ezenwa Nwagwu

      The Edo State election has come and gone, but its aftermath has once again highlighted the changing dynamics of political strategy in Nigeria. While election winners naturally celebrate and losers lament their loss, this article however, seeks to help correct misleading post-election narratives, while also highlighting the imperative for political parties to reflect on their strategies and structural flaws, rather than hoisting regime of excuses and blame even for predictable losses, consequentially making INEC a convenient scapegoat for electoral losses

      My reasons for engaging in this voyage are simple. As someone who is invested in our democracy and elections, we owe a responsibility to debunk misleading narratives and misinformation as well as restore confidence in our electoral process through continuous voters’ education.

      One of the key aspects of voters’ education is helping citizens understand the true factors behind electoral outcomes rather than allowing them to be swayed by baseless accusations by those with unpretentious partisan interests. When politicians lose, their immediate reaction is often to cast blame on the electoral body rather than addressing internal failures within their campaigns or parties. This cycle of deflection and misinformation undermines public trust in the process and hinders the growth of our democracy.

      This destructive approach must stop. We can’t only support the process when it works in our favour. The tendency to undermine and discredit our institutions just because a politician loses must stop. We must build citizens’ confidence in our institutions.

      The question to ponder on is: Should INEC be blamed for the loss of political parties in the Edo election?

      True to form, as soon as the results of the Edo election were announced, politicians and their supporters were quick to cry foul and hurling accusations at the electoral body, alleging rigging.

      Let’s be clear that I hold the strong view that it is a reflection of political immaturity when we only celebrate and accept elections we won and condemn those we lost. Democracy should not be altered to suit the whims and caprices of politicians.

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      While the opposition parties may want to blame INEC for their loss in Edo, the real reasons lie within the parties own structure, strategy, leadership choices, and the will of the voters.

      Take the PDP for instance; it is obvious that its loss can be attributed to a combination of factors, ranging from the role of party agents, internal crisis within the party, Governor Godwin Obaseki’s rift with the Oba of Benin palace and his deputy, and a whole lot.

      Now, let us explore the changing trend in the electoral process particularly the roles played by party agents and the emerging trends of political transactions and how this cost the parties a great deal in electoral loss or victories.

      Role of party agents

      One of the significant issues that have surfaced is the transactional nature of party agents deployed during elections. As election observers, what we have seen in many instances is that, these agents are not committed members of the party, but rather, they are temporary hires, primarily driven by monetary gains rather than loyalty or ideological commitment. This shift undermines the electoral process, as these agents no longer act in the best interest of their party’s candidate but are open to manipulation.

      According to electoral law, at the polling unit, the party agent is essentially the candidate. They are the party’s direct representatives, ensuring that the process runs smoothly and fairly. However, politicians have evolved a disturbing strategy: buying party agents. This often results in party agents colluding with opponents, selling out their candidate in exchange for personal gains.

      Allegations of results sheet manipulation often happen at polling unit levels. If political parties are alleging that results were tampered with at polling units, it is important to emphasize that any attempt to tamper with result sheets at polling units would most likely require the collusion or complicity of party agents, making it highly unlikely to occur without their involvement. If a party agent therefore sells his candidate out and such results are uploaded on the IREV, it therefore becomes immaterial whatever happens during the secondary stage of results collation, as the betrayal has already occurred at the polling unit.

      This is a structural problem within the political parties, not an issue created by INEC. It is crucial for parties to take responsibility for the loyalty and integrity of the agents they deploy during elections.

       INEC’s reforms and voter’s power

      Interestingly, politicians must understand that Nigeria has moved past some of the more overt forms of election malpractice, such as ballot snatching and multiple voting. The electoral body has made significant improvements in Nigeria’s election process and has helped return power to the voters. The era of widespread ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and the use of multiple Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) has largely been addressed through reforms and innovation introduced by INEC.

      For example, technological advancements like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have reduced the chances of rigging and fraud, ensuring that only eligible voters can participate and that results reflect the true will of the people. We have gone pass the era, where people hide in a room and manufacture numbers or where one man with hundreds of voters’ cards can vote multiple times.

      Voters now are much better empowered by electoral reforms and have the ability to shape the outcomes of elections. However, the question remains: How will this power be wielded? If voters choose to sell their votes for pecuniary gain, the responsibility lies with them. While INEC has reformed the voting process, the decision to maintain its integrity now rests squarely with the people. The media and CSOs must continue to educate voters against unpleasant actions. Political parties themselves must acknowledge that incentivising vote buying is illegal.

      Press conferences and baseless allegations

      Another trend which also played out in Edo is the immediate response by politicians who hold press conferences post-election, accusing the electoral process of massive rigging, often without providing concrete evidence. It is important to emphasize that electoral decisions are made through ballot papers at Polling Units. Press conferences are not constitutionally recognized as legitimate ways to challenge election outcomes; electoral disputes must be evidence-based and taken to the appropriate legal bodies. The constant allegations are ploy to discredit and undermine the election and electoral umpire.

      If party agents collude with opponents to betray their candidates at the polling unit level, who should truly be blamed? This question should provoke self-reflection within parties, as the actions of these agents play a significant role in determining electoral outcomes. Furthermore, claims of having situation rooms by political parties to monitor elections seem dubious, as these “rooms” are rarely opened to media scrutiny, adding to the lack of transparency of these parties.

      The complex web of Edo politics

      Edo politics is a complex web, and it played out at the just concluded election. This has nothing to do with INEC’s conduct of the election. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s politics has not progressed above identity politics. People want to know what zone you are from first before they hear what you have to offer: Identity first, ideas second. This played a significant part in the Edo election.

      Decline of old election malpractices

      It must be pointed out that, unfortunately, while INEC has made significant progress in the election process, the political elite remains the weakest link in our endeavour to solidify those electoral reforms. Nigerians must begin to question our political class. What have they brought to the table to strengthen electoral reforms or our democracy? They have been the biggest beneficiaries of our democracy and have contributed the least to its growth. Same politicians who spend thousands of dollars bribing party delegates to get nominated during primary elections are often the first to cry foul and allegations of rigging. This irony is striking. Politicians must put their act together and realise that power now belongs to the people.

      •Nwagwu is the executive director, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA).

    • IPCSL Mission declares Edo Gov poll peaceful, seeks review of electoral laws

      IPCSL Mission declares Edo Gov poll peaceful, seeks review of electoral laws

      The International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement (IPCSL), a U.S.-based organisation, has released its preliminary statement on the just-concluded Edo gubernatorial election.

       In its report, IPCSL commended the electoral process as largely peaceful, transparent and credible despite isolated incidents of irregularities.

      The mission, which was headed by Africa Director and Commander-in-Chief, Ambassador Blessing A. Akinlosotu, deployed 120 observers across all 18 local government areas in Edo State. 

      According to the mission, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made significant improvements, drawing on recommendations from the 2023 general elections.

       “First and foremost, we commend INEC for our accreditation… enabling us to contribute to democratic processes and development in Nigeria,” stated Akinlosotu.

      The mission praised the visible presence of Nigerian security operatives, including the police and army, which contributed to a peaceful environment.

       However, it noted that the heavy deployment may have deterred some voters. 

      Read Also: Tinubu: Edo will get full support

      “The massive deployment of security must have contributed remarkably to the calmness and orderliness, but it also had a negative impact, scaring voters,” the report highlighted. 

      Additionally, heavy rainfall on election day delayed the opening of some polling units and contributed to a lower turnout compared to the 2023 general elections.

      IPCSL observers visited over 300 polling stations across the state, with most polling units opening on time. 

      In areas affected by rain, opening and closing times were adjusted accordingly. “Our mission found that Party Agents carried out their duties freely in the polling stations visited, which is a sign of political maturity,” noted Akinlosotu.

      Despite this, some technical issues were reported, including malfunctioning INEC Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices in Etsako Central LGA, and disruptions caused by thugs and armed men in various locations, including Okpella in Etsako East LGA. 

      The mission reported incidents of ballot snatching and physical altercations at polling units in Oredo and Uhunmwode LGAs swiftly addressed by security forces.

      The IPCSL mission made several key recommendations, calling for a review of electoral laws and security strategies to prevent voter intimidation and ensure a smoother process in future elections.

       “Our Mission Team recommends further review of Electoral Laws and Guidelines to tackle negative incidences observed that need adequate legislation,” the statement urged.

      The mission also emphasized the importance of voter education, noting that misinformation and fake news were used as tools to demoralize voters.

       “We observed the use of Fake News as a weapon of demoralization of voters and party faithful, which is unhealthy for any democratic process,” the report stated.

    • Black soup and Edo election

      Black soup and Edo election

      “So, Edo election is done and dusted,” I said to Barrister Ada as we walked into Christabel’s apartment where we were meeting to collate donations of school’s bags, stationeries and other items for two dedicated schools in a slum in Lagos where she grew up.

      “Yes o…Edo! Hmm, Edo was hot! Indeed..,” Ada said and we hailed our friends. But for Tamara, the usual suspects were already there.

      “What were you girls saying about the Edo election,” Christabel asked with a smile and a curious look on her face as she placed a big jar of fruit juice on the table where some glasses had been laid.  

      “I was saying the Edo election has ended…at long last… but not without leaving behind smokes and fires of victory shouts, not forgetting the noise of appeals,” I reiterated.

      “Yes o,” echoed the ladies. “The past months leading to it had been something else… There was so much tension in the air. My husband said you could literally cut through the tension when he visited Benin last month,” Sexy Jola said, as she grabbed a glass and poured herself a drink. I reached for a glass, too, and poured myself a drink before sitting next to Tinu who appeared to be listening with rapt attention. On seeing the serious look she wore, I was almost forced to ask why so much seriousness but Ada’s analysis brought my attention back to the matter at hand as Christabel brought out the sack containing the school bags and dropped it on the balcony.

      “…There were different analyses and counter analyses of who is the best candidate. I followed them all; as well as the abuse and counter abuse …the direct and indirect insults by notable figures was totally uncalled for if you ask me.”

      “Mm-hmm, in my view, the whole thing reminds me of black soup… Edo black soup that is,” I concurred.

      Read Also: APC lashes Yiaga Africa for ‘subjective report’ on Edo poll

      “I get your analogy Evelyn D’Poet. Black soup is usually very bitter, and the messy look is intimidating too. But unlike the Edo ‘bitter’ saga, the soup is rich in antioxidant and pack full of healthy goodness.  It’s not healthy at all to see public figures attacking themselves with very sensitive issues of family life. Wetin come concern abero and overload, I asked,” Tinu said as we joined Christabel to arrange and take stock of what was donated.

      “Speaking of black soup… where is Tamara and her black soup? It better be good o,” Jola warned, as she dropped the small box of stationery she was carrying with the other items, and said, “Sorry Christabel, this is all I and Bayo could come up with. School has resumed with so many expenses.”

      “Jola, darling, you are highly appreciated. I am shocked at the show of love from you all. Thank you, girls, for the support. I am also looking forward to Tamara’s black soup. E done tey wey black soup dey hungry me, but I don’t know how to cook it. YouTube and Pinterest have not been of any help. No matter how I tried, I am not able to get the taste like the one I ate in your cousin’s house, Evelyn,”

      “Yes, that one was something else,” Ada agreed.

      “Leave my cousin black soup alone and let’s concentrate on Tamara’s and Edo election,” I chuckled as Tamara walked in with the delicacy accompanied by Nurse Cordelia that was carrying with her the swallow (pounded yam). 

      “When did you find time to do all these,” I asked as I took a bite of the delicious meal.

      “I had help. Thanks to Nurse Cordelia. I hope I passed,” she asked; “Mmm”, we retorted.